From the Desk of Sheriff Abbott – 4/17/2026
- Uniform Response did their yearly Defensive Tactics Training/Updates this week. They go over different tactics, scenario’s, hands on moves and practice, new legal updates, etc.
- Uniform Response had a Flee & Elude in Decatur Township. A traffic stop was initiated over speeding and failing to signal. The 18-year-old from Lawton fled at a high rate of speed and stopped after he was approaching another Deputy set up with stop sticks. The investigation found that he was intoxicated during the incident. It was also found he took his parents car without permission. He was lodged for operating under the influence of alcohol, flee and eluding, and UDAA (Unlawful Driving Away Automobile).
- Uniform Response handled a Lost Individual in the Woods by the Eagles Club just north of Lawton. The individual had an argument with another subject and left on foot into the woods. She became lost and called 911 for help. Our canine unit and Sergeant with a drone responded to the scene and located the individual. She was checked out by EMS then driven home.
- Uniform Response handled a Larceny in Columbia Township. Different items were stolen off a tree service vehicle that was unattended and parked. Anyone with any information is asked to call our office.
- April 12-18th is Animal Control Appreciation Week and National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. Thank you to all our staff in that capacity and the staff across the United States for all you do. I cannot say enough good things about our staff here at Van Buren County. Thank you to all the citizens that reached out to the staff as well.
- Uniform Response handled an Assault incident in Almena Township. The investigation found that a felonious assault took place, the victim was held against their will, an arson occurred to personal property, the suspect interfered with telecommunication, used a pneumatic gun during the incident, and resisted and obstructed. He was ultimately charged with all the offenses and lodged.
- I assisted Bangor PD with a Stolen Vehicle out of Berrien County. The vehicle was located in Bangor in which I happened to be only a few blocks away on patrol when the officer went to stop it. We conducted a felony stop and put the driver in custody. Berrien County came to the scene and took custody of the driver, and the vehicle was TOT(Turned Over To) to the victims/owners.
- Undersheriff Davis attended the Spring Advisory Board Meeting at the ISD for the Criminal Justice Program. At the meeting, several topics are covered such as classes, topics, ride-a-longs, etc.
